Articles – ETLPhttps://www.etlp.co.uk
Solicitor in NewportSat, 12 Jan 2019 14:33:25 +0000en-GBhourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=5.0.3Legal Issues for Businesseshttps://www.etlp.co.uk/our-articles/legal-issues-businesses/
Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:49:15 +0000https://www.etlp.co.uk/?post_type=articles&p=580This article aims to explore the legal issues that businesses face. Many small businesses start trading without really considering the issues that ought to be addressed. Often they will take a Tenancy or a Lease to a premises without taking legal advice and employ staff sometimes starting on a part time basis without realising the... [Read More]

]]>This article aims to explore the legal issues that businesses face. Many small businesses start trading without really considering the issues that ought to be addressed. Often they will take a Tenancy or a Lease to a premises without taking legal advice and employ staff sometimes starting on a part time basis without realising the responsibilities that come with that decision. The success of a new business often depends upon the planning stage which takes place before the business considers opening its doors to the public or providing a service and a lack of planning can lead to business failure. Here are a few of the issues to be considered: –

Regulatory Issues

You need to consider whether the type of business that you are operating requires some sort of permission from the Local Authority or from a Regulatory body before you can open your doors. As an example if you are thinking of opening a cafe or a takeaway you would need to consider whether the necessary planning permissions are in place for the premises you want to use. If you are intending to produce a product you need to establish whether there are minimum safety standards that apply. It is often worth contacting your Local Authority, a trade body or a specialist business lawyer to establish what sort of advice you require.

Naming your Business

The name of your business is very important and quite often a lot of time is spent thinking of snappy names that will stick in the memory. However, many new businesses don’t check if they are able to purchase the domain name to correspond with their name or fail to conduct searches to check that their name won’t cause offence to an existing business that trades under the same or similar name. This often leads to a Cease and Desist letter from a set of expensive London lawyers. In a recent case a local convenience store named itself Singsburies and was challenged by the global supermarket over that. It may well be that the owner has a strong sense of humour as he has now changed it to Morrisings but on a serious note if you have spent a lot of money on signage and marketing for your business you don’t want to be in a position 6 months down the line where you have to change the name to avoid legal action. It is worth taking advice from an intellectual property specialist as it shouldn’t cost an awful lot of money and could save you potential difficulties in the future.

Employing Staff

Many small businesses take on friends or family as staff and don’t give a lot of thought to the implications of having employees. It is important you speak to an employment lawyer prior to taking on staff as all staff have the right to a written set of Terms and Conditions and there are minimum standards in relation to rates of pay, payment of pension and other rights which you need to adhere to. It is worthwhile meeting with an employment lawyer to discuss the best way to employ your staff as there are various options ranging from having agency staff, self employed contractors, full time staff or casual staff. There are different implications for each type of worker or employee and whilst the employment legislation is incredibly complex a specialist in the area ought to be able to see the wood for the trees fairly easily. Failure to comply with the rules can lead to serious consequences including in some cases criminal liability for failing to pay the national minimum wage.

Obtaining your Premises

Whether you are entering into a short term business tenancy of a longer lease it is always worth obtaining advice. Leases are always complicated documents and can often contain clauses which whilst appearing innocuous at the start cause difficulties later on. Also, an experienced commercial property lawyer will be able to advise you about the incentives that a landlord may offer you if you want to improve the premises. It is important to protect yourself if you intend to spend a lot of money customising a business premises and advice is essential.

Structure of your Business

There are a number of choices that you can make about how your business is structured. You could be a sole trader, a partnership, a limited liability company or a company amongst a myriad of other options. An experienced business lawyer will be able to advise you which trading vehicle best serves your needs. Whilst being a sole trader may be the simplest option it also carries with it unlimited liability which you may wish to avoid. It is relatively easy to set up a new company with the assistance of a business lawyer and an accountant and many new businesses are surprised at how cost effective that advice can be. There are various government funded organisations which provide free advice for new businesses and you should make sure you take that opportunity and always remember if you don’t as you don’t get.

Finally, whilst you may be excellent at producing the product you sell or the service you offer most successful people concentrate on what they do best and use the expertise of others to make sure that the legal framework of their business is correct. Legal work is a little like Dentistry, you can do it yourself but it is likely to be painful if you do.

]]>Solicitors Regulation Authority Diversity & Inclusion Charter updatehttps://www.etlp.co.uk/our-articles/solicitors-regulation-authority-diversity-inclusion-charter-update/
Wed, 07 Jun 2017 08:24:52 +0000https://www.etlp.co.uk/?post_type=articles&p=553October 2018 – The Diversity Data submission to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is not required this year as it is a biennial report. However, we regularly discuss this issue with all our staff and encourage them to provide suggestions on ways that we may improve our acknowledgement of this important subject in relation to... [Read More]

]]>October 2018 – The Diversity Data submission to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is not required this year as it is a biennial report. However, we regularly discuss this issue with all our staff and encourage them to provide suggestions on ways that we may improve our acknowledgement of this important subject in relation to staff, clients, professionals and business, whom we have dealings with.

]]>Dementiahttps://www.etlp.co.uk/our-articles/dementia/
Wed, 04 May 2016 09:44:46 +0000http://www.etlp.co.uk/?post_type=articles&p=480We are living as part of an ageing population with people living longer and this is to be celebrated. However, 1 in 14 people over the age of 65 will be living with dementia and this will increase considerably over the next few years. However, dementia is not just a disease that affects older people and there... [Read More]

]]>We are living as part of an ageing population with people living longer and this is to be celebrated. However, 1 in 14 people over the age of 65 will be living with dementia and this will increase considerably over the next few years. However, dementia is not just a disease that affects older people and there is an increase in the number of people under the age 65 living with dementia.

The symptoms of dementia include memory loss, difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language, and sometimes changes in mood or behaviour. These changes are often small to start with, but for someone with dementia they have become bad enough to affect daily life.

To assist those suffering with dementia businesses and organisations across Gwent have recently been accredited as Dementia Friendly Businesses.

Phil Diamond from Torfaen County Borough Council said “Businesses can become accredited as Dementia Friendly Businesses through the Alzheimer’s Society and it does not require a huge amount of commitment. There are seven simple criteria to meet and officers in each Local Authority are available to provide support to local businesses.

The first step is to organise a free 45 minute Dementia Friends awareness session for staff. The session can be delivered in the workplace as part of a team meeting or at time suitable to businesses. Once the business has met the simple criteria it will be presented with a Dementia Friendly logo to display in places of work and on email footers etc.

People living with dementia and their carers still want to carry on doing the ‘small things that make life big’ and are more likely to shop, use services and contact businesses that are dementia friendly. A number businesses such as banks, super markets, pubs, museums, local authorities, post offices, libraries and small independent operators such as health practitioners and cleaning firms have been accredited. We urge businesses to increase their awareness of dementia and increase their profile in communities.

The odds are that everybody will know somebody living with dementia – it could be immediate or extended family, or even friends – and many of us may take on a caring role to support loved ones. Dementia Friendly Communities and Dementia Friends is a social movement to help people living with dementia and their carers to live as fulfilled a life as possible by providing support from the community – good old fashioned community spirit!”

Jason Pearce, a Partner and Solicitor at Everett Tomlin Lloyd & Pratt specialising in the field of wills, trusts, estates and inheritance tax planning said “At Everett Tomlin Lloyd & Pratt we are committed to assisting those who are suffering with dementia and we are proud to say that we are a Dementia Friendly Business. We understand that those living with dementia want their lives to continue as normally as possible and want to be able to carry out the tasks of everyday life. We know that a person living with dementia is more than their diagnosis and is an individual to be treated with the respect and dignity that we provide to all of our clients.

As a Dementia Friendly Business we will always be patient and understanding with an individual living with dementia. We understand that dementia can often make it difficult to process information or leave a person feeling disorientated. We will always ensure that we allow our clients to take their time, will consider their feelings, assist in any way we can and maintain a friendly service to put our clients at ease.

As lawyers, we can often be accused of using ‘legal jargon’ but if we suspect or know that a person has dementia we will strive to communicate clearly to make sure that people who come to us fully understand the advice and service we are providing.

Specific services we offer for those who are suffering with early stage dementia are the making of wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney. We suggest that having a will properly drawn up by a qualified lawyer leaves less opportunity for people to question your ability to make a will. This is something we assess carefully when we meet a new client. It gives the person making the will a secure knowledge that their possessions will go to the people they would like them to go to.

Lasting Powers of Attorney allow a person to give someone they trust the power to make decisions for them if a time comes when they are no longer able to do so. Lasting Powers of Attorney can be made for matters relating to property and financial affairs and for a person’s health and welfare.

Where someone’s dementia has advanced to the stage where they lack capacity to make a Will or execute a Lasting Power of Attorney, we can assist in the application to the Court of Protection for a Deputy to be appointed to manage their affairs, and for a Statutory Will to be made for them. However, it is a lot more satisfactory, and also a lot cheaper and quicker, to make a Will and do Lasting Powers of Attorney yourself wherever possible.”

]]>Conveyancing- The key to buying a homehttps://www.etlp.co.uk/our-articles/conveyancing-the-key-to-buying-a-home/
Wed, 03 Feb 2016 12:37:12 +0000http://www.etlp.co.uk/?post_type=articles&p=438What in a nutshell is conveyancing and what does it involve? In law, conveyancing is the transfer of legal title of property from one person to another, or the granting of an encumbrance such as a mortgage or a lien. A typical conveyancing transaction contains two major landmarks: the exchange of contracts (whereby equitable title passes) and completion (whereby legal title passes). Conveyancing occurs in three stages:... [Read More]

In law, conveyancing is the transfer of legal title of property from one person to another, or the granting of an encumbrance such as a mortgage or a lien. A typical conveyancing transaction contains two major landmarks: the exchange of contracts (whereby equitable title passes) and completion (whereby legal title passes). Conveyancing occurs in three stages: before contract, before completion and after completion. A buyer of property must ensure that he or she obtains a good and marketable ‘title’ to the land; i.e., that the seller is the owner, has the right to sell the property, and there is no factor which would impede a mortgage or re-sale.

A system of conveyancing is designed to ensure that the buyer secures title to the land together with all the rights that run with the land, and is notified of any restrictions in advance of purchase.

What does conveyancing typically entail and what can be the kind of problems which may arise?

A house is usually the most expensive purchase you will make and it is important that you know what you are buying. We ensure that all the right questions are asked and searches carried out to ensure that our clients obtain good title. Problems are often identified by surveyors and we ensure these are thoroughly investigated and advise our clients accordingly.

Is conveyancing more straightforward on a new build property than say an older property, commercial, industrial, domestic and if so why?

Different types of properties require different investigation and advice. This is why it is important to instruct an experienced specialist solicitor, whatever type of property you are buying.

Has new legislation been introduced recently as regards conveyancing and how has or will this affect conveyancing?

Yes (see below). The new help offered should help first time buyers get on the property ladder and therefore help the rest of the chain move along, increasing the number of property sales and purchases.

The Help to Buy: ISA now available through banks and building societies. It is designed to reward people that are working hard to save up for their first home. First time buyers that choose to save through a Help to Buy: ISA will receive a government bonus to help them make the critical first step on the housing ladder. The bonus will represent 25% of the amount saved so, for the maximum monthly saving of £200, the government will contribute £50, with a maximum government contribution of £3,000 on £12,000 of savings. The bonus will be calculated and paid when you buy your first home. For basic rate taxpayers, this will be equivalent to saving completely free of tax for their first home. Accounts are limited to one per person rather than one per home so those buying together can both receive a bonus.

The government’s aim is to provide a scheme that offers a tax-free government bonus to help people who are saving up to buy a first home worth up to £450,000 in London or £250,000 anywhere else in the UK.

What are the key things a property buyer should look out for from a firm completing their conveyancing work?

Look for a firm that has the lexcel and conveyancing quality mark accreditation. Cheapest is not always best and if you are offered free conveyancing as part of a deal you may get what you pay for.

What should a person be looking for when they appoint someone to handle the conveyancing of a property what questions should they ask?

A good lawyer will flag up issues with the property and offer you advice on how to overcome them. You will get a clear estimate of costs from all reputable firms. Look out for the hidden extras some ‘conveyancing factory’ firms hide in the small print.

What kind of cost should people expect to pay for the services and how long should it take to complete?

Our fees start at £300 + plus vat and disbursements but are dependant on the value of the property and if the property is leasehold or freehold. All reputable firms will provide you with a detailed breakdown of cost before you instruct them to carry out the work. A typical conveyancing transaction will take between 6 and 8 weeks to complete.

For more information contact Jen Finch on 01495 763333, or at jfinch@etlp.co.uk.

]]>Cohabitees and Joint Owned Property – Legal Newshttps://www.etlp.co.uk/our-articles/cohabitees-and-joint-owned-property-legal-news/
Fri, 11 Jul 2014 11:38:12 +0000http://www.etlp.co.uk/?post_type=articles&p=161The Supreme Court has recently made a decision in the property dispute case of Kernott and Jones which has implications for many cohabiting couples. These days many couples are choosing to live together rather than get married and often believe that if the relationship breaks down it is easier to deal with than if they... [Read More]

]]>The Supreme Court has recently made a decision in the property dispute case of Kernott and Jones which has implications for many cohabiting couples. These days many couples are choosing to live together rather than get married and often believe that if the relationship breaks down it is easier to deal with than if they were married. Whilst cohabiting couples obviously don’t need to go through the divorce process, they often have a nasty surprise when it comes to the division of shared property. Married couples’ rights to property are protected to a large extent by legislation; however, cohabiting couples don’t benefit from the same protection as difficult trust law rules are based largely on past cases rather than cleaner statutory provisions.

This situation has led to some, on the face of it, very unfair decisions being made by the courts and a prime example was the case involving Miss Jones and Mr Kernott. The couple purchased a house together in 1985 and separated in 1993. At that time Mr Kernott moved out and made no further financial contribution to the property. Miss Jones had already paid the deposit on the house and the mortgage whilst they were together and continued to pay the mortgage after they separated. Almost 18 years later, Mr Kernott decided he wanted to claim a half share of the house.

The County Court that originally heard the case decided Mr Kernott should be awarded just 10% of the value of the house but unfortunately for Miss Jones, the Court of Appeal later agreed that he was entitled to half the house. This was because the couple had not expressed their respective shares in the property either when they bought the house or at a later date. It was therefore presumed that they owned it in equal shares.

Understandably unhappy with the decision, Miss Jones took her case to the Supreme Court which overturned that decision on 9th November, and ruled that the 10% Mr Kernott was originally awarded was fair. The Supreme Court decided that in the absence of any express agreement as to how the property should be shared and where the parties’ intentions cannot be inferred, the Courts can apportion shares of the property as it considers fair.

Is this good news for cohabiting couples? The answer is yes-probably! At least the Courts now have a green light to decide what is actually fair in some cases but there are no guarantees the Courts will always get it right. There is a desperate need for clarification of the rights of cohabitees and hopefully this will be forthcoming in the not too distant future. In the meantime it is vitally important that couples planning on purchasing a house together take legal advice before doing so and set out their respective shares in writing. The situation also needs to be reviewed when there is any change in circumstances, eg. if they have children. If you need advice on this issue or any other family matter please contact our specialist family team at Everett Tomlin Lloyd and Pratt.

]]>Why should you consult local legal firms for advicehttps://www.etlp.co.uk/our-articles/why-should-you-consult-local-legal-firms-for-advice/
Fri, 11 Jul 2014 11:37:57 +0000http://www.etlp.co.uk/?post_type=articles&p=160The post Why should you consult local legal firms for advice appeared first on ETLP.
]]>The post Why should you consult local legal firms for advice appeared first on ETLP.
]]>Coping with the cost of divorcehttps://www.etlp.co.uk/our-articles/coping-with-the-cost-of-divorce/
Fri, 11 Jul 2014 11:36:14 +0000http://www.etlp.co.uk/?post_type=articles&p=159The breakup of a marriage is always extremely difficult to deal with, both emotionally and financially. There will sometimes be disagreements over contact with children and financial matters that cannot be resolved by agreement. At present, means-tested legal aid is available to people left with a modest income after a separation, so that they can... [Read More]

]]>The breakup of a marriage is always extremely difficult to deal with, both emotionally and financially. There will sometimes be disagreements over contact with children and financial matters that cannot be resolved by agreement.

At present, means-tested legal aid is available to people left with a modest income after a separation, so that they can take legal advice and, if necessary, obtain representation in court. That funding is currently under threat as the government is committed to reducing the legal aid bill substantially, and has legislation moving through Parliament that will remove public funding (Legal Aid) from areas such as divorce, financial matters and most disputes involving children including residence and contact. Inevitably this will lead to many people believing they are unable to afford legal advice and attending court hearings unrepresented, when extremely important decisions will be made. Alternatively, they may feel pressure to make informal agreements. Many organisations including the Law Society, Scope, Mind, Women’s Aid and Shelter have joined together to oppose the government’s plans to remove the availability of help with legal fees suggesting that “DIY justice is not access to justice.”

We are committed to ensuring that we can continue to provide an excellent service to all our clients in spite of the proposed changes. We currently provide assistance with legal costs by obtaining public funding for those who are eligible and offer a high-quality and cost-effective fixed fee service for privately funded clients. We find many private clients prefer the certainty of fixed fees. These are available in all areas of family law including divorce, financial matters and children’s issues.

We are also delighted to confirm that we have recently strengthened our department by recruiting Mrs Jill Wallace who is a member of the Law Society approved Children Panel. We now have two experienced members of the Children Panel which adds to our existing department consisting of two members of the Law Society accredited Family Law Panel and two Family Law Mediators.

We are able to offer advice at both our Newport and Pontypool Offices. Please contact us on 0845 60 222 99 to speak to one of our experienced members of the family team who will be more than happy to assist you.

]]>Putting the “Personal” back into “Personal Injury”https://www.etlp.co.uk/our-articles/putting-the-personal-back-into-personal-injury/
Fri, 11 Jul 2014 11:35:58 +0000http://www.etlp.co.uk/?post_type=articles&p=158How to claim maximum damages on a No Win No Fee basis A friend of mine was recently involved in a road traffic accident. His first priority was to seek medical attention and advise his insurers. To his surprise, within hours of the accident, he started to receive telephone calls enquiring about his injuries and... [Read More]

A friend of mine was recently involved in a road traffic accident. His first priority was to seek medical attention and advise his insurers. To his surprise, within hours of the accident, he started to receive telephone calls enquiring about his injuries and whether he intended to make a claim. At that stage he didn’t know the extent of his injuries and was still in shock after the accident. By the end of the day he had received several calls of this nature and was confused as to his options and how to proceed.

One of the calls he received was from the other party’s insurers. Their insured had driven into the back of his car and it was clear that she was to blame. The insurer seemed very keen to settle his claim quickly and told him that there was no need for him to see a lawyer, suggesting that he may incur legal costs if he did so. He’d had a bad day. His neck and back were a bit sore, but he thought they’d be better by the morning. He didn’t want any further hassle so he accepted the offer.

When he woke the next day, his neck and back were stiff and painful. He ended up having two weeks off work and lost money as a result. He was put on a waiting list for NHS physiotherapy and it was 8 months before he fully recovered from his injuries. The amount that he was offered by the insurers was much too low to compensate him for what he had suffered.

Even a relatively minor injury may have a significant impact on your life and it is important that it is handled properly. An insurance company owes a duty to its shareholders to pay out as little as possible, so how can they act in your best interests too?

Personal injury is a complex area of law and it is extremely difficult for an individual to assess how much he should receive. The effects of the accident may persist for a long time, but once you have accepted your settlement you will be unable to claim any more compensation. It is therefore important that you seek expert advice from a lawyer who has the appropriate experience and expertise.

The other calls my friend received were from companies offering to arrange legal representation. Solicitors are not allowed to contact you directly in this way without your permission. These calls are from Claims Management companies – middlemen who will simply sell your case on to a solicitor who may be as far away as London or Leeds. You may also have been approached by them in the street or seen their TV adverts, explaining how your claim will be dealt with on a no win no fee basis, with you keeping all your compensation.

Many people do not realise that their local solicitor may offer exactly the same terms (but has a marketing budget limited to an advert in the local directory rather than being promoted by a celebrity mid way through Coronation Street). There is also the added advantage of being able to call in and discuss the matter face to face with the person who will be handling your claim.

Another advantage of obtaining independent expert advice is that you can be sure you will be advised on all your entitlements. In addition to claiming compensation for the pain you have suffered, you can claim for loss of earnings, expenses such as treatment and travel expenses, and for care you received, even if it was provided by your family. Your solicitor can also arrange rehabilitation such as physiotherapy and provide help and support to assist you in making a quick and full recovery, without it costing you a penny.

If you are involved in an accident, whether on the road, the pavement or at work, choose a local solicitor who will take the time to find out how you are. We believe that this personal approach can result in a better understanding of your injuries and needs than if your claim were dealt with by somebody hundreds of miles away who you can only talk to on the phone. This enables us to ensure that you receive all the compensation you are entitled to and, as we will deal with your claim on a No Win No Fee basis, you will keep it all.

Kirsten Tuck is a partner at Everett Tomlin Lloyd and Pratt and has been dealing with personal injury claims for over 15 years, obtaining millions of pounds of compensation for her clients. She is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and the Law Society Personal Injury Panel, voluntary accreditation schemes for lawyers which help you recognise their individual skills and expertise.

]]>The claim gamehttps://www.etlp.co.uk/our-articles/the-claim-game/
Fri, 11 Jul 2014 11:35:19 +0000http://www.etlp.co.uk/?post_type=articles&p=157The Claim Game If you are injured in a road traffic accident through no fault of your own you may be surprised to receive a letter from the other party’s insurance company offering to handle your claim for you, avoiding the need to instruct your own solicitor. They may even suggest that you may incur... [Read More]

If you are injured in a road traffic accident through no fault of your own you may be surprised to receive a letter from the other party’s insurance company offering to handle your claim for you, avoiding the need to instruct your own solicitor. They may even suggest that you may incur certain charges by instructing a solicitor yourself.

Even a relatively minor injury may have a significant impact on your life, and it is important that your claim is handled properly. An insurance company owes a duty to it’s shareholders and to their insured. Can you be sure that they will act in your best interests too?

Personal injury claims not only regularly involve complex areas of law, but it is extremely difficult for an individual to assess how much compensation they should receive for their injury. It is therefore surprising that those who are injured are being encouraged to deal with their claims without representation.

The government will shortly be considering proposals to raise the value of claims made in the small claims court from £1000 to £2,500. The ‘no win no fee’ arrangement offered by most solicitors works on the basis that legal costs are recovered from the other party or their insurers. Costs cannot be recovered this way in the small claims court which means that claimants will have to pay for their costs from their own pocket, or represent themselves. The fact that most defendants do have legal representation creates an uneven playing field, with the injured person on the losing side.

Research carried out for the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers by MORI has shown that 64% of adults would not pursue a personal injury claim if they did not have a solicitor, 73% would not be able to work out the value of their claim and 80% would not be confident that they would be offered the correct level of compensation by insurers.

Claimant solicitors groups are campaigning to ensure that these changes do not happen and that the public do not lose out in this way.

We’ve all seen adverts on television advertising no win no fee legal advice, some of which invite you to contact claims management companies. These companies may approach you in the street. They are not solicitors and they usually make money by passing your case on to someone else to handle.

Many people do not realise that most local solicitors firms will be able to offer the the same terms (perhaps even better) with the added advantage of you being able to call in and discuss the matter face to face with the person who will be handling your claim. In most cases you will not have to pay a penny. If you’ve had an accident you will have enough to deal with without trying to tackle a claim yourself. Why not contact your local personal injury solicitor?

Kirsten Tuck is a partner at Everett Tomlin Lloyd and Pratt and has been dealing with personal injury claims for over 15 years, obtaining millions of pounds of compensation for her clients. She is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and the Law Society Personal Injury Panel, voluntary accreditation schemes for lawyers which help you recognise their individual skills and expertise.

]]>“Tesco Law” – is “off the shelf” legal advice good for you?https://www.etlp.co.uk/our-articles/tesco-law-is-off-the-shelf-legal-advice-good-for-you/
Fri, 11 Jul 2014 11:34:58 +0000http://www.etlp.co.uk/?post_type=articles&p=156Recent changes in the law allow banks and other high street retailers to register to provide legal services so that obtaining legal advice could be, in the words of the Minister of State at the time, “as easy as buying a can of beans”. The supporters of the Legal Services Act say this frees up... [Read More]

]]>Recent changes in the law allow banks and other high street retailers to register to provide legal services so that obtaining legal advice could be, in the words of the Minister of State at the time, “as easy as buying a can of beans”.

The supporters of the Legal Services Act say this frees up access to legal information but its critics suggest that potentially it will reduce the availability of high quality local legal advice provided by specialist lawyers.

Despite the nickname Tesco the largest retailer is yet to take steps into the legal sector but other companies have been more enthusiastic and recently claims management companies and financial institutions have bought legal firms to carry out their work.

Is this the end for traditional firms?

The answer appears to be an emphatic no! Firms like my own provide the full spectrum of legal advice and attract and retain clients by offering advice at the right price provided by lawyers within specialised departments. One of the major disadvantages of larger centralised legal providers is that they are often based some distance away from the clients and many chose to employ fewer qualified solicitors and more paralegals (or even unqualified staff) to undertake bigger volumes of work. Bigger does not always mean better.

Are they cheaper? The consumer magazine Which recently did research in the area of probate and found that most banks charge on average twice more than solicitors in independent practices for exactly the same service. Many clients returning to us after initially being referred by national conveyancing firms by their bank have complained that whilst the headline quote may be cheap there are numerous additional fees added into the final bill that in fact make them more expensive. Recently a large financial institution cut it’s panel of solicitors that it was willing to deal with down from a number of thousand to 43. Questions are being asked in the legal press about whether this is a wise move and less providers will mean less competition on price or quality.

At this firm we believe that there should always be a place for local and specialised advice provided at the right price and firms that invest in the staff will continue to offer both a local and friendly service and departments staffed with specialist solicitors and continue to succeed.